War on sickle cell disease starts, entire Vid covered

Nagpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ambitious National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission on Tuesday, with main focus on addressing health challenges posed by the disease among the tribal population.The mission aims to eliminate sickle cell disease by 2047, targeting 278 districts in 17 states with a high prevalence. Notably, all 11 districts of Vidarbha are covered under the mission. TOI interviewed health officers from various districts in Vidarbha to gather information about their plans for mass testing and treatment as part of the mission.

“After the online inauguration, we will conduct free blood solubility tests for sickle cell disease in all health institutions across the district,” said Dr Dinesh Sutar, district health officer of Gondia. Additionally, personalized cards will be distributed to sickle cell patients according to their specific type, accompanied by counselling about the disease.Dr Tarangtushar Ware, civil surgeon of Akola, explained that the solubility test, performed using a drop of blood from the finger, is free of cost at all primary health centres. “If the test results are positive, haemoglobin electrophoresis will be conducted,” she said. The solubility test serves as a quick screening tool, while haemoglobin electrophoresis provides a reliable and specific diagnosis for sickle cell disease and other related disorders.Dr Manish More from Bhandara highlighted the establishment of community-level mechanisms for pre-marital and pre-conception screening as a primary aim. “Efforts will be made to raise awareness about the availability of free screening facilities. Furthermore, educational institutions, especially tribal residential schools, tribal hostels, and Ekalvya Model Residential Schools, will conduct talk sessions and counselling in all blocks affected by sickle cell disease,” he said.NGOs have also been actively involved in the mission, focusing on mobilization, awareness campaigns, and providing pre-marital and prenatal screening and counselling services. Lata Nagre, a member of a sickle cell support group in Nagpur, said, “We have been told to meet people and convince them for the screening. The national target of screening is 7 crore. In Nagpur district, we are focusing on rural areas. The information of screening will be available on live dashboard.”
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